Differential evolutionary algorithms in optimal distributed generation location

This paper present an application of Differential Evolutionary Algorithm (DEA) with the purpose of finding the optimal location of a renewable source in a electric power network. In addition, the paper considers also the problem of optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD), minimizing the active power loss and improving the voltage level. The DEA is used as an optimization technique being highly efficient in constrained parameter optimization problems. The applicability of the method was evaluated on the IEEE 30 bus system. It is important where to place a renewable source, because study shows that if they are connected at non-optimal locations, the system losses may increase. ©2010 IEEE.